Hillsborough families ‘delighted’ by Sir Norman Bettison retirement

Police chief Sir Norman Bettison has announced his retirement as the police watchdog investigates a complaint against the officer who said Liverpool fans made the police’s job harder at the 1989 Hillsborough disaster.

‘But then he’ll be going on his full pension, and I’d like to know the full reasons why he’s choosing to retire as soon as this.’

Sir Norman said in a statement: ‘Recent weeks have caused me to reflect on what is best for the future of policing in West Yorkshire and I have now decided to set a firm date for my retirement of 31 March 2013.’

Posting a message on the West Yorkshire police website, Sir Norman said: ‘I hope it will enable the Independent Police Complaints Commission to fully investigate allegations that have been raised about my integrity.

‘They need to be fairly and fully investigated and I welcome this independent and formal scrutiny.’

The IPCC said it is also looking into a statement Sir Norman made last month following the damning report of the Hillsborough Independent Panel.

Mrs Aspinall, whose 18-year-old son James died in the tragedy, said: ‘Why didn’t he stay, then, until the IPCC came out with their investigation?

‘But he’s decided to leave. I’m not arguing against it, because I’m thrilled that he is going, but if he’s got nothing to hide why is he retiring?’

The Hillsborough inquiry said 164 police statements were altered after the disaster.

Sir Norman has defended his role, saying he never altered a statement nor asked for one to be altered.

Anne Williams, whose 15-year-old son Kevin died at the disaster, said: ‘I think the whole lot of them who have been involved for these 23 years should all go for the hurt that they have caused us for 23 years.

‘I don’t think he would have retired if it wasn’t for the Hillsborough report.’